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The Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre (QICDRC) has participated in the 2025 International Association for Court Administration (IACA) conference, held recently in Dubai, under the theme ‘Global Perspectives on Court Administration’.The four-day conference brought together chief justices, judges, and heads of judicial institutes from around the world. Participants discussed key topics, including the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the justice system, enhancing court efficiency and access to justice, and reviewing various court models, including administrative courts and judicial bodies, alongside other relevant themes that contribute to advancing judicial work and improving administrative systems within courts.The QICDRC delegation was led by CEO Faisal Rashid al-Sahouti. The court also participated in a panel session titled ‘Enhancing Access to Justice’, during which Muna Nasser al-Kaabi, Case Progression officer, highlighted the court’s efforts to facilitate access to justice for all.She presented several initiatives, including the Legal Clinic, which provides legal assistance to individuals unable to bear the costs associated with filing a claim, offering guidance and legal advice. Al-Kaabi also showcased the court’s electronic court system, which enables parties and their legal representatives to file claims, track case progress, receive notifications, and attend hearings remotely without the need for physical presence in the courtroom.This system significantly saves time and effort while ensuring a more efficient and user-friendly experience. Furthermore, she noted that the court provides comprehensive resources and guidance materials explaining its rules and procedures to ensure all parties are well informed, helping them avoid procedural errors and contributing to smoother, more efficient case management.She added that proceedings may be conducted in both Arabic and English, allowing users to engage with the court in their preferred language. QICDRC’s participation in the IACA 2025 Conference reflects its belief in the importance of exchanging judicial expertise and knowledge with other courts, as well as its commitment to showcasing the progress of Qatar’s judicial system, particularly in the areas of digital transformation and the continuous enhancement of services provided to the public.

The Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre (QICDRC) has participated in the recent 6th full meeting of the Standing International Forum of Commercial Courts (SIFoCC), held in New Delhi, India.The gathering brought together high-level delegations representing about 68 commercial courts from around the world, including chief justices, presidents of judicial councils, and senior judges.This strong international presence reflects the increasingly important role of commercial courts in strengthening confidence in the rule of law and building stable, attractive legal and economic environments that support global investment.Faisal Rashid al-Sahouti, QICDRC chief executive officer highlighted the key role played by it in supporting international judicial co-operation and advancing commercial justice systems.SIFoCC serves as a leading platform for the exchange of expertise and best practices, and for strengthening collaboration among commercial courts worldwide — an effort that facilitates cross-border trade and enhances the efficiency and integrity of international judicial processes, according to him.The meeting’s sessions covered a wide range of pressing topics, including advancing international judicial convergence through the development of shared standards and practices to support the recognition and enforcement of commercial judgments across borders.Discussions also explored the implementation of arbitration and mediation awards, as well as practical mechanisms for document exchange and witness hearings between different judicial systems.Participants examined issues relating to corporate legal responsibility in light of global challenges such as climate change, digital transformation, and the expansion of private finance, and the implications of these developments for commercial law.In addition, the sessions addressed the use of artificial intelligence within judicial systems, underlining the importance of establishing clear ethical frameworks to safeguard judicial independence and uphold the principles of fair trial.QICDRC had hosted the 5th full meeting of SIFoCC in Doha in April 2024, continuing Qatar’s efforts to strengthen international judicial co-operation and promote professional dialogue among commercial courts.That meeting underscored Qatar’s position as a leading centre for commercial justice and a hub for the resolution of international business disputes.Established in 2017 as a global judicial initiative, SIFoCC provides a unique platform for collaboration between commercial courts from diverse legal systems.With 68 member courts worldwide, the forum works to promote professional cooperation, exchange judicial expertise, and develop practical mechanisms for resolving cross-border commercial disputes — contributing to greater stability in global commerce and enhancing confidence in the legal frameworks that underpin the world economy.

The Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre (QICDRC) has participated in the recent 6th full meeting of the Standing International Forum of Commercial Courts (SIFoCC), held in New Delhi, India.The gathering brought together high-level delegations representing about 68 commercial courts from around the world, including chief justices, presidents of judicial councils, and senior judges.This strong international presence reflects the increasingly important role of commercial courts in strengthening confidence in the rule of law and building stable, attractive legal and economic environments that support global investment.Faisal Rashid al-Sahouti, QICDRC chief executive officer highlighted the key role played by it in supporting international judicial co-operation and advancing commercial justice systems.SIFoCC serves as a leading platform for the exchange of expertise and best practices, and for strengthening collaboration among commercial courts worldwide — an effort that facilitates cross-border trade and enhances the efficiency and integrity of international judicial processes, according to him.The meeting’s sessions covered a wide range of pressing topics, including advancing international judicial convergence through the development of shared standards and practices to support the recognition and enforcement of commercial judgments across borders.Discussions also explored the implementation of arbitration and mediation awards, as well as practical mechanisms for document exchange and witness hearings between different judicial systems.Participants examined issues relating to corporate legal responsibility in light of global challenges such as climate change, digital transformation, and the expansion of private finance, and the implications of these developments for commercial law.In addition, the sessions addressed the use of artificial intelligence within judicial systems, underlining the importance of establishing clear ethical frameworks to safeguard judicial independence and uphold the principles of fair trial.QICDRC had hosted the 5th full meeting of SIFoCC in Doha in April 2024, continuing Qatar’s efforts to strengthen international judicial co-operation and promote professional dialogue among commercial courts.That meeting underscored Qatar’s position as a leading centre for commercial justice and a hub for the resolution of international business disputes.Established in 2017 as a global judicial initiative, SIFoCC provides a unique platform for collaboration between commercial courts from diverse legal systems.With 68 member courts worldwide, the forum works to promote professional cooperation, exchange judicial expertise, and develop practical mechanisms for resolving cross-border commercial disputes — contributing to greater stability in global commerce and enhancing confidence in the legal frameworks that underpin the world economy.

The Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre (QICDRC) has concluded its three-day ‘Training Programme – International Commercial Courts: Practice and Procedure’.Held at QICDRC’s headquarters in Doha, the course gathered lawyers and legal professionals whose practice involves, or aspires to involve, appearances before international commercial courts.With the participation of The Rt Hon The Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd, alongside QICDRC judges and senior legal representatives, the programme offered participants valuable first-hand perspectives throughout the sessions.Designed to provide participants with practical insight into international commercial litigation, the programme explored in depth the procedural framework governing commercial and regulatory proceedings, with particular reference to the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) Civil and Commercial Court and Regulatory Tribunal.Through a dynamic mix of lectures, group work, and interactive workshops, participants gained experience applying legal principles to real-world case scenarios and cross-border disputes.The training covered a wide range of key topics, including commencing proceedings and urgent applications; jurisdictional disputes, defences, and counterclaims; evidence, hearings, and oral advocacy; judgments, orders, costs, and enforcement; appellate procedures; and practice before the Regulatory Tribunal.Ethical considerations in advocacy before international courts were also addressed, giving participants practical experience in applying common law principles within a global context.All participants received official certificates of participation signed by The Rt Hon The Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd, president; and Faisal Rashid al-Sahouti, CEO of QICDRC, during a special awarding ceremony. QICDRC remains committed to advancing the professional development of lawyers in Qatar and the wider region.

The Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre (QICDRC), in collaboration with the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb), organised the first Arabic-language intensive training programme qualifying participants for CIArb membership via the accelerated route in international commercial arbitration.The programme offered an in-depth study of core topics, including the UNCITRAL Model Law on International Commercial Arbitration and the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules, the arbitration agreement and its legal effects, the commencement of proceedings and appointment of arbitrators, and the duties of the tribunal and responsibilities of the parties.It also included topics like the tribunal’s jurisdiction and powers, procedural conduct (meetings, timetables, submissions, expert evidence, disclosure and hearings), costs management, the requirements for an enforceable award, and avenues for challenge and enforcement.The workshop drew wide participation, including representatives of the State Cases Department at the Ministry of Justice, as well as a range of government and private entities in Qatar and leading Qatari law firms.It also welcomed experts and specialists from across the GCC, alongside representatives of prominent international consultancies in engineering, finance, technical, and legal fields, reflecting the importance of the programme in strengthening professional capabilities and practical experience in arbitration and dispute resolution.Faisal bin Rashid al-Sahouti, CEO of QICDRC, said: “Offering internationally accredited training in collaboration with one of the world’s leading arbitration institutions equips participants with rigorous, practice-ready qualifications.“It supports the development of highly qualified arbitrators who will add tangible value to Qatar’s arbitration sector. Such initiatives further enhance Qatar’s standing as an attractive investment hub by reinforcing confidence in alternative dispute resolution, now the first choice for many international investors given its flexibility, efficiency, and fairness.”The programme is part of the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2017 between the court and CIArb, which aims to provide high-quality resources to the legal community in Qatar and internationally, particularly specialised arbitration training delivered in both Arabic and English in line with international best practice.The MoU represents a strategic partnership to elevate the quality of specialised training in arbitration and to build capacity among lawyers, accountants, engineers, expert witnesses, and disputes consultants in Qatar.Under the partnership, CIArb collaborates with the court to develop flagship programmes in arbitration and mediation, and to organise specialised events that reinforce Qatar’s position as a regional and global centre for alternative dispute resolution.

The Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre (QICDRC) has organised a specialised workshop on advanced arbitration and mediation in intellectual property (IP) and technology disputes.The workshop, held in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) Arbitration and Mediation Center and the International Law Association GCC (Gulf Co-operation Council) branch, concluded a two-day international conference on alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and intellectual property protection.The conference co-organised by WIPO, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) brought together leading experts to discuss IP challenges, including disputes, legislative frameworks, and development strategies.The QICDRC also participated in two sessions during the conference, underlining its statutory role under Arbitration Law No. 2 of 2017 and its commitment to advancing ADR as a preferred alternative to litigation.The workshop provided participants with practical guidance on WIPO rules for mediation and arbitration, best practices in court-referred mediation, and the drafting of ADR clauses. Attendees explored the full mediation process from negotiation to final settlement while developing essential skills for mediators.Sessions further addressed the role of parties and neutrals, distinctions between mediation and other dispute resolution methods, and integration of WIPO procedures into both domestic and cross-border strategies.The event attracted a diverse audience from across the GCC, including participants from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, and the UAE, reflecting the regional importance of the topics discussed.Discussions also examined the relationship between intellectual property and sports-related legislation, including e-sports, and highlighted how ADR mechanisms can resolve such disputes efficiently. Senior experts from WIPO, international law firms, and regional courts led the sessions, and participants received certificates of attendance at the conclusion of the workshop."The workshop offered a valuable opportunity for participants to gain practical insights into the use of alternative dispute resolution in intellectual property and technology disputes. By exploring best practices in mediation and arbitration, we aim to contribute to the development of legal frameworks that safeguard the rights of investors and business owners while supporting innovation and sustainable growth,” said Faisal Rashid al-Sahouti, chief executive officer of QICDRC.Ignacio de Castro Llamas, Director of the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center, said mediation and arbitration have proven to be effective in resolving complex disputes related to technology and intellectual property."This is evident from the experience of the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center. By working with our partners in Qatar, we shared our experience and WIPO’s tools that complement court procedures and help foster innovation in this field,” he added.